Rare Porsche racing prototype set for Bonhams Goodwood sale

A rare Porsche racing prototype could bring up to £2.5 million at Bonhams next month.

The 1970 Porsche 908/03 started life as a quasi-works car for the Gulf-JW Automotive racing team, and was entered into the 1970 Targa Florio and Nürburgring 1,000Km races.

In 1974 Porsche converted the car into a 908/03 Turbo, in preparation for the 1975 Martini Racing programme, and it later placed 3rd at Mugello, Italy, before winning the Mainz-Finthen InterSerie race.

Originally built with 3-litre flat-8-cylinder engine, perfect for the twists and turns of the Targa Florio and Nürburgring courses, it was then upgraded to a 2.1-litre turbocharged flat-6 making it ideal for courses of all types.

With exceptional provenance and an impressive racing pedigree, the car is now eligible for some of the world's most prestigious vintage events including the Le Mans Classique, along with Proto Seventies and Pre-1980 endurance series events.

"This Porsche 908/03 turbo has outstanding provenance, having been entered in nearly 30 races in-period, including the Le Mans 24-Hours, the Targa Florio, and the Monza and Nürburgring 1,000Kms," said James Knight, Bonhams International Group Motoring Director. "It's now offered by Bonhams, in running order, with an estimate of £2,200,000-£2,500,000."

Further notable lots already announced for the sale include a 1965 Aston Martin DB5 Convertible estimated at £1-£1.2 million; a 1935 Aston Martin Ulster valued at £1.1-£1.4 million; a 1938 BMW 328 GP estimated at £550,000-£650,000; and a 1965 Bentley S3 Continental Flying Spur, otherwise known as Keith Richards' famous car 'Blue Lena', estimated at £400,000-£600,000.

The Bonhams Goodwood Revival Sale takes place at the Goodwood Motor Circuit on September 12.